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Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
(69 Votes)
Updated December 18, 2022
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- SERVES
- 6
- COOK TIME
- 50 Min
When you're craving the classic tastes of the good old days, this bread pudding recipe will do the trick. Our Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is made the same way that Grandma used to make it and boy is it good!
What You'll Need
- 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter, softened
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups soft bread cubes (about 5 slices bread)
- 1/2 cup raisins
What to Do
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place butter in a small bowl. Scald milk (heat it to just below boiling), and pour it over the butter; stir to mix well.
- Beat eggs in a large bowl. Gradually stir in milk mixture then stir in sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Place bread cubes and raisins in a 1-1/2-quart baking dish; pour in milk mixture. Stir gently to evenly moisten bread. Set baking dish in a larger pan; add hot water to larger pan to come about halfway up sides of baking dish.
- Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until knife inserted into pudding comes out clean. Serve warm or cold.
Notes
- You know what would go great with this old-fashioned bread pudding? Real maple syrup, like the kind that many of us grew up on. There's nothing like it, and it's great for topping bread pudding recipes like this one. (It's also good on French toast, pancakes, and waffles!)
- Fancy up your bread pudding by adding chopped fruit, like apples, peaches, pears, or even cherries!
- Want even more of the best pudding recipes? Check 'em out in our free eCookbook, The Proof is in the Pudding: 20 Amazing Bread Pudding Recipes, Rice Pudding Recipes, & More!
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Nutritional InformationShow More
Servings Per Recipe: 6
- Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
- Calories 294
- Calories from Fat 105
- Total Fat 12g 18 %
- Saturated Fat 6.6g 33 %
- Trans Fat 0.4g 0 %
- Protein 7.3g 15 %
- Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
- Cholesterol 89mg 30 %
- Sodium 338mg 14 %
- Total Carbohydrates 42g 14 %
- Dietary Fiber 1.3g 5 %
- Sugars 29g 0 %
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Edmund K
Nov 30, 2017
I love bread pudding. There was a concert and dinner that I'd attend around Christmas that always had bread pudding as the dessert. It was always good, and was served with a lemon sauce. I like the idea of using maple syrup on it, and I'll have to try it that way when I make some up this season. The recipe that I follow (which is the one from the dinner) uses plums instead of raisins and doesn't include the addition of nuts, though that's a great suggestion that I want to try.
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Kitchy katch
Oct 22, 2017
Recipe I make but substitute cut up dates. Am allergic to raisins. Tastes awesome with a cooked whiskey sauce.
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bkm 1529918
Apr 16, 2017
This is just like the bread pudding my mom made, with walnuts added. Instead of sauce she served it warm with butter and cream. It was so good. Bread pudding is one of my best memories of growing up and favorite dessert now. Try it you won't be disappointed, always good with ice cream.
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nancyintx
Sep 27, 2016
I'd like to make this in individual small pans to give as gifts. What changes do you suggest?
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Test Kitchen Team
Sep 28, 2016
Hi there! While the Test Kitchen has not made this recipe in individual sized servings, we do believe that this recipe can be done that way, though we cannot guarantee the outcome. Fill lined muffin tins about 3/4 full and bake at 325 degrees F for about 40 minutes. If you do make this recipe with those changes, let us know. We'd love to hear back from you. Enjoy!
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golady11
Mar 30, 2016
Would like to know if anyone would like to share a recipe for vanilla sauce lemon sauce for bread pudding. I look forward to your responses. Thanks, Gee
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cjd
Jan 30, 2021
You could make vanilla pudding but increase the milk a little.
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NJGiGi
Oct 31, 2015
Could I possibly add canned apple pie filling to this? Would it change the amount of liquid I use? Thank you.
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Test Kitchen Team
Nov 02, 2015
Unfortunately, we have not tried making this recipe with a can of apple pie filling, and we don't want to make any guesses that would result in a waste of your ingredients. However, we do know that you can add a chopped, fresh apple to this recipe without changing any of the other ingredients, if you're looking to add apple flavor to this bread pudding. Enjoy!
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mmccurine 1801095
Apr 09, 2015
This is a great recipe, very simple delicious comfort food. I serve it warm or cold with a bit of cream or ice cream.
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dben737801 7964636
Aug 16, 2014
Looking for Bread pudding recipe that when you bake it there is a custard sauce already on it...anyone know of one????
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sometimes2424 4837335
Jan 18, 2015
Here's a recipe that may be close to what you're looking for. I have used this recipe for over 40 years. It's really easy. Make sure you use all the brown sugar on the toast. PJS DAD BETTY CROCKERS BREAD PUDDING 4 slices of bread 2 tblsp. Margarine or butter softened 1/3 cup packed brown sugar tsp. ground cinnamon 1/3 cup raisins 3 eggs slightly beaten 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Dash of salt 2 cups milk, scalded (dont overcook) Heat oven to 350. Toast bread slices lightly. Spread slices with margarine or butter sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut each slice into 4 pieces. Arrange pieces sugared side up in buttered 1 quart casserole sprinkle with raisins. Mix eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla and salt slowly stir in milk. Pour mixture over bread. Place casserole in square pan, 9x9x2 inches, on oven rack pour very hot water (1 inch deep) into pan. Bake until knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean, 65-70 minutes. Remove casserole from hot water. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream or cool with whipped cream.
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dunsterother 1897194
Jun 02, 2014
I'm looking for a bread pudding like my Mum made, moist with lots of custard. I'm going to give this one a try as the picture looks like it's quite moist. I love bread pudding (my comfort food) because I like the custard. My Mum used biscuits but I will use homemade bread. Hopefully it will come out - I threw my last batch away it was so bad! :(
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nighthawksg 4946485
Feb 26, 2014
made this last night left out raisins and did not use pan of water bottom is still kind of runny so its back in oven flavor was great just like mine a little browner on bottom
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nighthawksg 4946485
Feb 24, 2014
my mom always did same thing rjduckworth it was best bread pudding ever
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nighthawksg 4946485
Nov 18, 2013
Try baking this without the pan of water you get a nice crisp crust with a moist center really nice ...
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nighthawksg 4946485
Nov 18, 2013
If you don't put it in a pan of water you get a nice crisp outer layer with a moist center really nice try it out
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jeanpolifko 0273356
Nov 18, 2013
40-45 years ago I found a recipe called Hobo Bread Pudding that called for bread crumbs . You heated the milk, raisins, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Then added the eggs and crumbs. Best tasting ever. Lost the recipe and have been trying all I find to get the same taste with bread crumbs. Will try this one with my changes.
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marie1398 1757321
Jul 07, 2014
I have 2 recipes of my grandmothers', both calling for bread crumbs. I'll send them to you if you still want it.
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Member 4935477
Oct 29, 2013
My mom always used dry bread. The custard soaks into it without making the bread gummy. I made it with cinnamon raisin bread once but I lightly toasted the bread because it is a little too soft. Also, you can tear the bread into bite sized pieces instead of cubing it. Works just as well!
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mabrown4977 1233843
Oct 06, 2013
I made this last week, but my center turned out mushy cook all the way through I love even left it in the oven longer then called for. Flavor was good just not done completely. what can I do to fix this problem?
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rjduckworth
Oct 05, 2013
My granddaddy always used leftover biscuits to make bread pudding; he and I were the only ones who likes bread pudding so it was a treat when he made it. Try it with left over biscuits and see if it isn't the best kind of bread.
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mmccurine 1801095
Oct 05, 2013
This is a good recipe, I have been making it for years. I found it in one of Mr. Food's cookbooks. It's a great way to use up the old bread and its such a comfort food.
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CCCOLTS 5116809
Oct 04, 2013
I HAVEN'T MADE IT YET,,BUT WHEN I DO I WILL USE MY VANILLA SAUCE ON IT.
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vfrakes
Sep 02, 2013
A friend of mine use to make a lemon sauce to put over her bread pudding. She has passed and I never got a chance to get the recipe. Would anyone have a lemon sauce recipe that they are willing to pass on? Thanks.
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maharrey 8734869
Jul 07, 2015
3/4 cup Sugar 5 tsp Cornstarch dash Salt 1 1/2 cups Water, boiling 1 tbsp Lemon zest, finely grated 3 tbsp Lemon Juice 1 tbsp Butter In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add boiling water and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick and clear. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and butter. Serve warm over a cake, dessert, or bread pudding. Makes 2 cups of lemon sauce.
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gjbailey 5736231
Aug 16, 2013
I love using my homemade bread but no matter what, it never tastes like Mom's used to.
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dlita13 5413221
Oct 05, 2013
Nothing ever tastes like Mom's, does it.
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Nforgett 4116301
Jul 09, 2013
The cook at work used to make his bread pudding with left over danishes and it was delicious. Mom also made the best bread pudding and other desserts.
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DixiePixie
May 15, 2013
May I ask what brand of bread you folk's use for bread pudding? Thank you.
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brtedi
Jul 21, 2013
Usually, you can use any kind of bread you have on hand--Even begals or day old doughnuts will do the trick. Set out the bread you'll be using, to let it dry out a bit. The liquid (custard) mixture is absorbed into the bread even more, if the bread is dry.
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vfrakes
Sep 02, 2013
I have heard of people using left-over cinnamon rolls too.
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dlita13 5413221
Oct 05, 2013
Oh mercy! I bet the cinnamon roll recipe would be soooo good, but my teeth hurt just reading it, cuz I had just tho't "wonder how this would be with stale donuts." Course, then you'd actually have to have stale donuts.....haha
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brenosborn 3339330
Mar 06, 2013
Simple and delicious. I added diced apple bits and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg for my own twist. Heavenly!
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technoir2003 4638690
Mar 19, 2013
I don't know if you know this or not but, the original bread pudding recipe never, ever required cinnamon. Nutmeg was always used, not cinnamon. And yes, you are right. With the nutmeg in it, it is heavenly!
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lmiller10
Feb 01, 2013
I made this chocolate bread pudding tonight put a little heavy cream on top it was delicious and my puppy thought so too Laura Miller
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pukasand 0329091
Sep 02, 2013
I hope you realize that CHOCOLATE is poisonous to dogs!
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curious1
Oct 10, 2014
Hope the puppy survived the poisoning.
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kmdcm5 6403239
Dec 22, 2012
This sounds so good & really easy to make too!
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joanb36 7956973
Nov 28, 2012
I freeze my homemade, raisin cinnamon rolls when they're getting stale, and use them. Love bread pudding!!
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donwess
Nov 27, 2012
I'll try it. Years ago I was the manager of a Harvest House Cafeteria in St Louis, MO. Bread Pudding was in the top five sellers every week along with sweet potato pie. The Harvest House was owned by F.W.Woolworth, The Harvest House closed along with Woolworth.
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Granny DMB
Mar 19, 2013
Woolworth' had a luncheon counter when I was young. Their cakes and pies were delicious. Actually, as a teenager, I worked for Woolworth's until I graduated high school. My first job, other than baby sitting.
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Granny DMB
Mar 19, 2013
Woolworth's also had delicious apple dumplings.
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gwen396 0554412
Nov 27, 2012
Try using cinnamon bread instead of plain bread. We love the extra cinnamon taste at our house. To top it off we like a sauce of lemon or rum.
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nypa06 1097151
Nov 18, 2012
I used eat as a kid, I can't wait...I will be making one.:) I'll let u guys know how it trun out.
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country mary
Oct 12, 2012
THIS IS A GREAT RECIPE AND BRINGS BACK CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
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Granny DMB
Mar 19, 2013
Brings back memories for me too. My Mom put a vanilla sauce on her bread pudding.
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rebeltaz
Oct 11, 2012
Bread pudding is an old southern staple. My mom use to put in a well-drained can of fruit cocktail. It makes it really fun for kids.
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donnahines 6629376
Oct 01, 2012
Love Bread Pudding...my mother sometimes put in well drained pineapple chunks.
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topcooker 1693556
Sep 23, 2012
this is exactly my dad use to make his bread pudding. Thank u for the recipe
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marlowantknee 3210226
Dec 20, 2016
My loving sweet Daddy, too! I added a few drops of lemon extract half white wheat breads...delishyum
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leachsrl 6023371
Aug 18, 2012
I made this today with chopped apples instead of raisens. I did not use enough bread and I had to bake it for an extra 10 minutes. Consistancy and flavor excellent. Another winner!
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shirleyd54 8977827
Aug 02, 2012
i love bread pudding, but my mom always put nutmeg and cinnamon
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dearcat
Sep 24, 2012
That is the way i make it and my mother before me. I am 76.
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iabred76 0483877
Jul 22, 2012
We lived in Mississippi for a while and there was a lovely little place called Martha's Tea Room that served Bread Pudding with White Chocolate Sauce that was to die for!
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kathyherr
Jul 21, 2012
I use left over day old carmel rolls with the same recipe but double it to fit a 9x13pan
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mildreddonaldson 8012438
Jul 21, 2012
I am from the south and you can always used left over biscuits for bread pudding.
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donna041858
Jul 21, 2012
my dad used to serve this with a lemon sauce. It was so good. Makes me really miss him <3
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Festie1
Jul 21, 2012
Bread pudding was my dad's favorite dessert. My mom would put it in a bowl warm and pour milk around it. Yummy, and no extra sugar.
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ebettyqn 4614103
Jul 11, 2012
We always served vanilla custard sauce with bread pudding. Try this shortcut: Make vanilla pudding (not instant) with the regular amount of milk and one-half the package of pudding.
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Burma
Jul 21, 2012
great idea! different pudding flavors will make different dessert sauces! I love it!! :)
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borofkal 0812106
Jul 09, 2012
Made this yesterday - and did put icing on top and added vanilla! Delicious!
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mebrasker 4652653
Jul 09, 2012
What kind of icing did you use or make?
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mbaker1103 7132911
Jul 08, 2012
This is really an old-fashioned recipe. I love it! I sometimes use cut up canned sliced peaches instead of raisins. I also have used canned fruit cocktail and canned pineapple. Love to experiment with what is available in my pantry. I will try the strawberries soon. Thanks for the tips. Love this site!
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pld
Jul 06, 2012
I'll just leave out the raisins that I don't like. Yum.
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angig1970 8740440
Jul 07, 2012
you might try some other dried fruits like blueberries, cranberries, cherries or something like that. Experimenting in the kitchen can lead to some great desserts.
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jmeber2002
Jul 06, 2012
Question: Is it necessary to place the baking dish in a larger pan containing hot water? I see other recipes do not say to do this.
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tsmackley 6954896
Jul 06, 2012
I have never Put it in a larger pan with water, Mine always comes out great!!
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angig1970 8740440
Jul 07, 2012
This is for the moisture content. If you like yours to be a little more on the moist side. I highly suggest trying it this way.
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borofkal 0812106
Jul 06, 2012
I'm going to make the Bread Pudding this weekend and I'm going to include the vanilla and nutmeg. Do any of you put a little icing on the top? I remember growing up with bread pudding - and there was a little bit of icing. Let me know! Thanks.
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Shala1943 9755471
Jul 06, 2012
Shala July 6, 2012 Another idea. Not long ago I had way too many strawberries. I washed the and halved or quartered the and added them to the recipe. My husband and I really enjoyed . I gave a bowl of it to a neighbor and his wife. He ate the whole bowl, by himself. Don't know why you couldn't use peaches either.
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tepmom 8677887
Jul 05, 2012
Love bread pudding! Sometimes, on holidays or a special day, I use half and half instead of plain milk. I know this is sinful, but it sure is scrumptious!
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littleparadise1 2185220
Apr 26, 2012
I think it is a great recipe I add a teaspoon of vanilla and 1/ 4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
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bwshook
Jul 05, 2012
Thank you for the tip about adding vanilla! Been a while since I made bread pudding, and I'm not sure I would have remembered. Looks like I'll be on track now--thanks!
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djs54 4954335
Oct 01, 2011
I always add 1/2 tsp vanilla to egg/milk mixture...really adds to the old fashion flavor...sometimes I use day old home-made cinnimon rolls instead of bread...works great!
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bwshook
Jul 05, 2012
Thanks, djs--you're the second of two comments posted about adding vanilla to the bread pudding recipe. It's been over 25 years since I made the pudding last, and I might not have remembered the vanilla. Just made a bunch of bread crumbs; now I know what to do with them--thanks!
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